12 Companies That Are Leading The Way In Automotive Key Repair
Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: your car keys won't engage the ignition. It can occur at the worst moment, like when you're filling your trunk full of groceries or returning home from work.
There are many solutions to get you back on your way. Here are a few common automotive key repair issues and possible solutions:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason a car owner cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. It can be fixed by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple however it is crucial to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin and can break if you bend it even a little.
You will need a stable work surface and a pair of pliers to accomplish this. Grab one end of the key with the pliers and bend it back until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface, or in a vise. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it turns.
If not, you might need to have a new key made. You don't need to call a lock-smith and your existing key will work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not without access to your vehicle if it breaks.
If you're experiencing problems with a broken or bent key, you can try applying grease on it prior to trying to insert it into the lock. This will enable it move through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. Spray graphite powder or lubricant. Make use of the plastic tube which comes with the spray to get a more precise application. This will also prevent moisture from damaging your important.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. A pin is a small 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of metal with hollow ends used to connect 2 parts of a machine. In most cases you can remove a nut by pulling it out using your fingers or the wrench.
If you own an older car that is equipped with microchip keys it is possible that the key needs to be programmed to function with your car. This procedure can be easy or complicated depending on the car's model and manufacturer.
Contact us for assistance with your vehicle locks or keys! We are able to repair or replace every key for your vehicle.
If your car's gear selection gets stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to a mechanic right away. It's a safety issue, and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This problem can also be a sign of bigger problems with the transmission system itself, which could be costly to repair.
Fortunately, the majority of the time this problem can be fixed easily. Most of the time, the cable that is connected to the lever could snap or come uncoupled. The mechanic can fix this within a couple of minutes.
In certain instances the gear selector bushing may be damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system in order to ensure that it is fluid. These rubber covers function similarly to cartilage joints, and therefore need to be flexible and healthy.
It's not unusual for them to wear out over time, but there are a few things you can do to extend their life. The first is to avoid using the gear selector in extremely cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with premium quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an essential part of your selection of gears and shouldn't be ignored. If you find that yours is worn out, it's a good idea to go to an auto shop that is specialized in Land Rover repairs. They will help you locate the ideal parts to fix your gear selector apparatus. They can also provide you with many other services, including maintenance and service for your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn the ignition on and hear nothing but a click, then your battery is dead. As batteries age, they undergo a natural process which causes them to die early. The negative plates of your car battery will start to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery can cause your vehicle to lose power, which could cause the radio to stop working or electric window malfunctioning. If your car has been having issues getting started in cold weather, this could be an indication that it is time for an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be caused by a dead battery, but an issue with the charging system of your vehicle. A mechanic's check to ensure that the serpentine belt, alternator and battery cables are working properly could solve this problem.
Key fobs that are not working properly is another common problem for automotive key repair. The key fob connects to your vehicle's computer and relays signals and commands between the engine and the accessory systems. This system may become confused or stop communicating if it is wet or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset the lost keyfob. Depending on the model of your car you may have to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices off and on by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or even open and shut the windows. If this doesn't work for your fob, it might need to be professionally programmed, which will require an expert. But it's still worth trying these simple steps before you decide to shell out for a new one.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys are equipped with a transponder that, when inserted into the ignition, sends out a signal. This signal tells the immobilizer inside the car whether it is the right one to allow it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such a problem that most manufacturers installed this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to change your keys is to visit the dealership or directly with the manufacturer. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. This can be found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in the owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. An associate will use a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely duplicate the original key. The new key will be cut on site with a precise cutting machine. If the key you are using has an edge, a fob or a large head that is grey or black it will need to be programmed for your car before you can start the motor.